Bread tray merchandiser barrier

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a reusable bread tray merchandiser barrier that is connectable to a bread tray having a merchandiser window. The barrier includes a plastic first panel for blocking the merchandiser window, and a connector for connecting the barrier to the bread tray. The connector can include a first hook portion for engaging a lower front wall edge of the bread tray and a second hook portion for engaging an upper front wall edge of the bread tray.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/013,072 filed Apr. 21, 2020, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference and made a parthereof.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to a barrier that can beattached to a bread tray having a merchandiser window in a side wall ofthe tray to block the window.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Historically, bread trays for transporting bread and other similarproducts, have a “merchandiser window” on one wall of the tray. Themerchandiser window allows for inspection of the product and serves as ameans for removing product from the tray when it is stacked in a columnconfiguration of like trays. While this merchandiser window serves itsintended purpose, it does create unintended consequences such as smallerproducts potentially falling out of the tray during shipping from thebread manufacturer to the grocery store. Bread manufacturers often willaccept that some product will be damaged or lost. In some instances, themanufacturer or transporter will place cardboard sleeves or inserts intothe tray in front of the merchandiser window to prohibit product fromfalling out. However, such cardboard inserts are not reusable after oneuse and must be replaced.

The present invention provides a reusable solution that can be connectedto a bread tray for blocking the merchandiser window when desired. Thesolution can be permanently connected to the tray or remove-ablyconnected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a plastic, reusable, bread traymerchandiser window barrier that can be connected to a bread tray. Thebarrier can be permanently attached to the tray, or it can beremove-ably connected. The barrier includes a portion that blocks orpartially blocks the merchandiser window to stop product from failingout of the tray, particularly in a stacked configuration.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a bread traymerchandiser window barrier is provided. The barrier comprises a firstplastic panel configured to block at least a portion of a merchandiser'swindow of a bread tray. The barrier also includes a connector extendingfrom the first panel to enable connection of the first panel to thebread tray.

The connector can include a first lower hook extending downward from thefirst panel to engage a lower edge of a front wall of the bread tray.The connector can also include a second lower hook spaced from the firsthook extending downward from the first panel to engage the lower edge ofthe front wall of the bread tray. Additionally, the connector caninclude a first interior hook extending outward from a first side of thefirst panel to engage an upper edge of the front wall of the bread tray.The connector can also include a second interior hook spaced from thefirst interior hook extending outward from the first side of the firstpanel to engage the upper edge of the front wall of the bread tray.

The first panel can span from a first side of the merchandizer window ofthe bread tray to a second side of the merchandizer window of the breadtray. The first panel can include a plurality of flanges extendingoutward from a second side of the first panel. The first panel can alsoinclude a first side wall clasp extending outward on a first sideportion of the first panel and a second side wall clasp extendingoutward on a second side portion of the first panel.

The barrier can further include a ledge extending outward from a loweredge of the first panel. The ledge is configured to rest on an upperedge of the front wall of the bread tray.

In one form, the connector can include a plurality of protrusionsextending downward from the first panel for engagement with a bottomsurface of the bread tray. The bread tray typically includes alattice-like bottom floor or surface having openings which can interactwith the protrusions of the barrier.

In some instances, the barrier might only partially block themerchandiser window. In this regard, the first panel can extend part wayfrom a first side of the merchandiser window of the bread tray toward asecond side of the merchandiser window of the bread tray. The barriercan also include a second panel that extends part way from the secondside of the merchandiser window of the bread tray toward the first sideof the merchandiser window of the bread tray. A gap (smaller than theoriginal merchandiser window) can exist between the first panel and thesecond panel. A portion of the connector can extend downward from thefirst panel and/or the second panel.

The barrier can be formed from an injection molded plastic. Othersimilar or suitable materials can also be used.

In one form, the barrier can be formed having a hinge element betweenthe first panel and the connector. The hinge allows a user to pivot thebarrier either inward or outward (depending on the positioning of thehinge) to provide access to the interior of the tray when in a stackedconfiguration.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bread traymerchandiser window barrier is provided comprising a horizontal ledge,and a generally rectangular panel extending upward from the horizontalledge. The barrier also includes a first hook portion extending downwardfrom a first edge of the horizontal ledge where the first hook portionis configured to engage a lower edge of a front wall of a bread tray,and a second hook portion extending downward from a second edge of thehorizontal ledge where the second hook portion is configured to engagean upper edge of the front wall of the bread tray.

The barrier can also include a plurality of flanges extending outwardfrom a first side surface of the rectangular panel. The barrier can alsohave a centrally located gap portion in the rectangular panel. Moreover,the barrier can also include a first side wall clasp extending outwardon a first side portion of the rectangular panel and a second side wallclasp extending outward on a second side portion of the rectangularpanel.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the barrier could bepressed into the bread tray and held via snap locks. In another aspect,the barrier can be pressed into the bread tray and held via springlocks. In yet another aspect, the barrier can include a retainer platethat is hingedly connected to the bread tray (e.g., to the floor of thetray), and can be rotated to a blocking position for use and rotatedback (e.g., to the floor) when not in use. In yet another aspect, thebarrier can be connected to a bail arm and would be rotated up for useand rotated down for non-use or stored position.

The barrier can be permanently connected to the bread tray by one ormore of the methods/structures described or suggested herein, or can betemporarily (i.e., remove-ably) held in the bread tray.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a bread tray androtatable barrier for blocking the merchandiser window of the bread trayis provided. The barrier includes a first generally rectangular windowblocking panel and a plurality of legs extending downward and inward atan angle from the window blocking panel. The legs include axleprojections that enable the barrier to rotate or pivot from an in-useposition blocking the merchandiser window to an un-used position wherethe barrier becomes part of the bottom wall of the tray. The trayincludes an inset area for receiving the barrier when not in use. Theinset area has a depth approximately equal to a thickness of the barrierso that the barrier is flush with the remaining portion of the bottomwall when the barrier is in a down position and the outer surface of thebarrier becomes part of the upper surface of the bottom wall. The trayalso includes a plurality of flanges or similar structure havingopenings for receiving the axle projections on the legs of the barrier.One or more of the flanges can include an upper locking rib for keepingthe barrier in place (i.e., upright) when in the in-use position. Theflanges can also include a ledge for supporting a lower edge of thewindow blocking panel.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing specification taken in conjunction with the following Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bread tray with a merchandiser windowin a front wall of the tray;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bread tray with a barrier covering themerchandiser window in accordance with one aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a is a perspective view of a bread tray with a barriercovering the merchandiser window in accordance with another aspect ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a is a perspective view of a bread tray with a barriercovering the merchandiser window in accordance with yet another aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an outer perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an interior perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an outer perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an inner perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a lower perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an outer perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is an inner perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the barrier of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the bread tray and barrier of FIG.2;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the bread tray and barrier of FIG.4

FIG. 16 is a is a perspective view of a bread tray with a pivotablebarrier covering the merchandiser window in accordance with anotheraspect of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a is a perspective view of a bread tray with the pivotablebarrier of FIG. 16 in a down position;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the bread tray of FIG. 16 without thepivotable barrier;

FIG. 19 is an outer perspective view of the pivotable barrier of FIG. 16without the tray;

FIG. 20 is an inner perspective view of the pivotable barrier of FIG.19;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of the pivotable barrier in anupright position;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the pivotable barrier in adown position;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional enlarged perspective view of the pivotablebarrier of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional enlarged perspective view of the pivotablebarrier of FIG. 22; and,

FIG. 25 is another cross-sectional enlarged perspective view of thepivotable barrier of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a bread tray 10 used to transport bread andother similar products, typically includes a rectangular bottom wallhaving an upper surface 12, a first side wall 14 extending upward from afirst side of the bottom surface 12, a second side wall 16 extendingupward from a second side of the bottom surface 12, and a back wall 18extending upward from a back side of the bottom surface 12. In the frontof the tray 12 a front wall 20 has a first portion 22 extending partwayfrom the first side wall 14, and a second portion 24 extending partwayfrom the second side wall 16. The first portion 22 and the secondportion 24 have a first height. A middle portion 26 of the front wall 20extends between the first portion 22 and the second portion 24. Themiddle portion 26 has a height significantly less than the first heightof the first portion 22 and the second portion 24. A merchandiser window28 is defined above the middle portion 26 of the front wall 20.

FIG. 2 shows a first barrier 30 that can be used to block themerchandiser window 28 of the tray 10. A second barrier 32 is shown inFIG. 3 and a third barrier 34 is shown in FIG. 4. Each of the barriers30, 32, 34 can be made from a reusable material such as an injectionmolded plastic. Other similar materials can also be used.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the barrier 30 of FIG. 2 includes a generallyrectangular window blocking panel 36 sized to fit across themerchandiser window 28 of the bread tray 10. The panel 36 includes aplurality of upwardly extending protrusion 38 along a top edge. Theprotrusions 38 resemble upwardly extending protrusions 40 that aresometimes provided along the back wall 18 of the tray 10.

A horizontal ledge 42 extends outward from an exterior surface of thepanel 36 proximate a lower portion of the panel 36. A plurality oftriangular flanges or ribs 44 extend upward from a top surface of theledge 42 to the top of the protrusions 38. The ledge 42 is designed torest on a top edge of the middle portion 26 of the front wall 20 whensecured to the tray 10.

A first hook portion having a generally rectangular panel 46 extendsdownward from an outer edge of the ledge 42. A horizontal portion 48extends inwardly from a bottom edge of the panel 46 and a plurality ofspaced protrusions 50 extend upward from an internal edge of thehorizontal portion 48. The panel 46 includes a plurality of rectangularopenings 52 proximate the bottom edge of the panel 46. The first hookportion is designed to span the middle portion 26 of the front wall 20and hook around a lower edge of the wall 20. The first hook portion isshown as a single integral piece, however, this portion can be dividedinto two or more spaced apart portions.

A lower portion 54 of the window blocking panel 36 that extends belowthe ledge 42 forms a second hook portion. The second hook portionengages an upper, interior portion of the middle portion 26 of the frontwall 20 if the tray 10.

The barrier 30 also includes a first L-shaped side bracket 56 (from atop view looking downward) and a second L-shaped side bracket 58extending outward from an exterior surface of the window blocking panel36. The first and second brackets 56, 58 each engage a side edge of thefirst and second portions 22, 24 of the front wall 20, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the barrier 32 of FIG. 3 includes a generallyrectangular window blocking panel 60 with a plurality of protrusions 62extending upward from a top edge of the window blocking panel 60. Ahorizontal ledge 64 extends outward from an exterior side of the windowblocking panel 60. The horizontal ledge 64 is designed to rest on anupper edge of the middle portion 26 of the front wall 20 of the breadtray 10. A plurality of flanges 66 extend outward from the exterior sideof the window blocking panel 60. A corresponding plurality of openings68 align with flanges 66.

A transition portion 70 extends below the window blocking panel 60 to ahorizontal panel 72 extending inward. A plurality of protrusions 74extend inward from an end of the horizontal panel 72.

The barrier 32 includes a plurality of legs 76 that extend downward fromthe horizontal panel 72 where it connects to the transition portion 70,and a plurality of L-shaped segments 78 that extend downward from amid-portion of the horizontal panel 72. The L-shaped segments include alip 80 at a lower end. The legs 76 and L-shaped segments 78 are used toconnect the barrier 32 to the bottom surface 12 of the bread tray 10.The bottom surface 12 of the tray 10 has a lattice structure with aplurality of openings which allow for insertion of the legs 76 andL-shaped segments 78.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the barrier 34 of FIG. 4 includes a firstwindow blocking panel 82 and a second window blocking panel 84 spacedfrom the first window blocking panel 82 by a gap 86. This version of thebarrier, in effect, creates a smaller merchandiser window in the gap 86.

The barrier 34 includes a horizontal ledge 88 directly below the firstwindow blocking panel 82, second window blocking panel 84 and gap 86.The horizontal ledge 88 is designed to rest on an upper edge of themiddle portion 26 of the front wall 20 of the bread tray 10.

Similar to the barrier 30 of FIG. 2, the barrier 34 of FIG. 4 includes afirst hook portion having a trapezoidal shaped panel 90 extendingdownward from an exterior edge of the ledge 88. A horizontal segment 92extends inwardly from a bottom edge of the panel 90. The horizontalsegment 92 includes a plurality of protrusions 94 extending upward. Thefirst hook portion is designed to engage a lower edge of the front wall20 of the bread tray 10.

A second hook portion includes a panel 96 extending downward from aninterior edge of the ledge 88. The panel includes a plurality ofdownwardly extending protrusions 98. The second hook portion is designedto engage a top portion of the front wall 20.

FIG. 14 illustrates how the barrier 30 hooks onto the front wall 20 ofthe bread tray 10 to secure the window blocking panel 36 in the properlocation. Similarly, FIG. 15 illustrates the barrier 34 connected to thefront wall 20 of the bread tray 10.

In some embodiments, the barrier can include a hinge component (e.g., byforming the barrier into multiple parts having a hinge system, orkeeping the barrier as a single integral structure and providing aflexible or bendable portion). The hinge can allow a user to temporarilymove the window blocking portion of the barrier out of the way toprovide access to the tray when multiple trays are stacked on eachother.

In another aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 16-24, a barrier 100can be rotatably or pivotably connected to the tray 102. When rotatedupward, the barrier 100 blocks the merchandiser window, and when rotateddownward the barrier 100 is flush with the bottom wall 104 and themerchandiser window is open.

As more clearly shown in FIG. 18, a bottom wall 104 of the tray 102includes an area 106 adjacent the portion of the front wall of the trayhaving the merchandiser window, that is inset from the remainder of thebottom wall 104. This inset area 106 allows the barrier 100 to form apart of the upper surface of the bottom wall 104 when it is pivoted intothe down position.

FIGS. 19 and 20 shown the barrier 100 without the tray 102. The barrier100 includes a generally rectangular window blocking portion 108 and aplurality of legs 110 extending downward from the window blockingportion 108. The window blocking portion 108 includes a plurality ofopenings 112 through which one can see if there are products in thetray.

The legs 110 are used to connect the barrier 100 to the tray 102 and toenable it to rotate or pivot from an upright position blocking themerchandiser's window to a down position leaving the merchandiser'swindow open. Each of the legs includes axle projections 114 on eitherside that fit in openings 120 in flanges 118 on the tray 102 (see e.g.,FIG. 23). Alternatively, the legs 110 of the barrier 100 could be formedwith openings for receiving axle projections on the tray (or othersimilar arrangements—e.g., a separate, single axle going through boththe flanges on the tray and openings in the legs).

FIG. 21 provides an enlarged view of the barrier 100 in an uprightposition. The tray 102 includes an area 106 which is inset in the bottomwall 104. When the barrier is rotated to a down position, as shown inFIG. 22, it fits in the inset area 106 such that its outer surface isflush with the remainder of the top surface of the bottom wall 104. Theinset area 106 includes angled ramps 116 for receiving the legs 110 ofthe barrier 100. The legs 110 extend downward and outward from thewindow blocking portion 108 at an angle which allows them to fit in theangled ramps 116.

As shown in cross-section in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25, each of the legs 110is positioned between two flanges or ribs 118 formed in the bottom wallproximate the front wall of the tray 102. The axle projections 114 fitinto slots or openings 120 in the flanges 118 which allow theprojections 114 to rotate. At least one (and possibly more) of theflanges 118 includes an upper locking projection or rib 122. The lockingrib 122 keeps the barrier in place during use. The bottom edge of thewindow blocking portion 108 rests on a ledge portion 124 of the flangeon one side of the locking rib 122.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 16-25, the legs 110 of the barrier 100 areutilized as the connector of the barrier 100 to the tray 102. The axleprojections 114 secure the legs 110 to the flanges 118 in the tray 102.

Additionally, the tray 102 of FIGS. 16-25 is modified as described andshown herein from a standard bread tray. The modifications enable thebarrier 100 to be securely connected to the tray and rotatable from anin-use position to an un-used position. The modifications include thebottom flanges 118 having openings for the axle projections 114 on thelegs 110 of the barrier 100, the locking ribs 122 on one or more of theflanges 118 and the ledge 124. The inset area 106 and ramps 116 arefurther modifications to the standard bread tray.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possiblein light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understoodwithin the scope of the appended claims the invention may be protectedotherwise than as specifically described.

We claim:
 1. A bread tray merchandiser window barrier comprising: afirst plastic panel configured to block at least a portion of a windowof a bread tray; and, a connector extending from the first panel toenable connection of the first panel to the bread tray.
 2. The breadtray merchandiser window barrier of claim 1 wherein the connectorincludes a first lower hook extending downward from the first panel toengage a lower edge of a front wall of the bread tray.
 3. The bread traymerchandiser window barrier of claim 2 wherein the connector includes asecond lower hook spaced from the first hook extending downward from thefirst panel to engage the lower edge of the front wall of the breadtray.
 4. The bread tray merchandiser window barrier of claim 3 whereinthe connector includes a first interior hook extending outward from afirst side of the first panel to engage an upper edge of the front wallof the bread tray.
 5. The bread tray merchandiser window barrier ofclaim 4 wherein the connector includes a second interior hook spacedfrom the first interior hook extending outward from the first side ofthe first panel to engage the upper edge of the front wall of the breadtray.
 6. The bread tray merchandiser window barrier of claim 1 whereinthe first panel spans from a first side of the merchandizer window ofthe bread tray to a second side of the merchandizer window of the breadtray.
 7. The bread tray merchandiser window barrier of claim 6 whereinthe connector includes a plurality of legs having axle projectionsextending downward from the first plastic panel.
 8. The bread traymerchandiser window barrier of claim 2 including a ledge extendingoutward from a lower edge of the first panel configured to rest on anupper edge of the front wall of the bread tray.
 9. The bread traymerchandiser window barrier of claim 1 wherein the connector includes aplurality of protrusions extending downward from the first panel forengagement with a bottom surface of the bread tray.
 10. The bread traymerchandiser window barrier of claim 1 wherein the first panel extendspart way from a first side of the merchandiser window of the bread traytoward a second side of the merchandiser window of the bread tray. 11.The bread tray merchandiser window barrier of claim 10 furthercomprising a second panel wherein a portion of the connector extendsdownward from the second panel.
 12. The bread tray merchandiser windowbarrier of claim 11 wherein the second panel extends part way from thesecond side of the merchandiser window of the bread tray toward thefirst side of the merchandiser window of the bread tray.
 13. The breadtray merchandiser window barrier of claim 12 comprising a gap between anend of the first panel and an end of the second panel.
 14. The breadtray merchandiser window barrier of claim 1 wherein the barrier isformed from an injection molded plastic.
 15. The bread tray merchandiserwindow barrier of claim 1 comprising a hinge element between the firstpanel and the connector.
 16. The bread tray merchandiser window barrierof claim 1 comprising a first side wall clasp extending outward on afirst side portion of the first panel and a second side wall claspextending outward on a second side portion of the first panel.
 17. Abread tray merchandiser window barrier comprising a horizontal ledge; agenerally rectangular plastic panel extending upward from the horizontalledge; a first hook portion extending downward from a first edge of thehorizontal ledge wherein the first hook portion is configured to engagea lower edge of a front wall of a bread tray; a second hook portionextending downward from a second edge of the horizontal ledge whereinthe second hook portion is configured to engage an upper edge of thefront wall of the bread tray.
 18. The bread tray merchandiser windowbarrier of claim 17 further comprising a plurality of flanges extendingoutward from a first side surface of the rectangular panel.
 19. Thebread tray merchandiser window barrier of claim 17 further comprising acentrally located gap portion in the rectangular panel.
 20. The breadtray merchandiser window barrier of claim 17 comprising a first sidewall clasp extending outward on a first side portion of the rectangularpanel and a second side wall clasp extending outward on a second sideportion of the rectangular panel.